Sunday, October 25, 2020

Leicester star Jamie Vardy’s impressive goal record vs Arsenal continues with winner at Emirates

Leicester star Jamie Vardy marked his injury comeback with the winner in a 1-0 victory over Arsenal on Sunday.

The 33-year-old had missed the Foxes’ last two matches against Aston Villa and Zorya Luhansk with a calf injury.

Vardy continues to be a nightmare to handle for Arsenal

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Vardy continues to be a nightmare to handle for Arsenal

Vardy was brought on for the last 30 minutes and made his mark

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Vardy was brought on for the last 30 minutes and made his mark

He was only fit enough for a place on the bench at the Emirates, but was unleashed by Brendan Rodgers on the hour mark.

And Vardy made it a stunning 11 goals in 12 matches against Arsenal with a diving header in the 80th minute to move Leicester up to fourth in the table.

Meanwhile, Arsenal missed the chance to close the gap on leaders Everton to a point.

An offside flag saw the effort ruled out, however, with Granit Xhaka deemed to have been interfering with play as he stood in front of Kasper Schmeichel.

Hector Bellerin should have done better when played in behind by David Luiz but he dallied in possession and allowed Jonny Evans to make up the ground and put in the challenge.

Kieran Tierney was a constant threat down the left flank, swinging in a number of dangerous crosses – one of which was inexplicably missed from point-blank range by Alexandre Lacazette.

Arsenal thought they had taken an early lead through Lacazette, but his goal was ruled out for offside

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Arsenal thought they had taken an early lead through Lacazette, but his goal was ruled out for offside

Luiz limped off soon after the restart to be replaced by Shkodran Mustafi before Rodgers turned to Vardy.

Arsenal were lucky to keep a full quota of players on the pitch as Bellerin, already booked, slid in on James Justin.

Bukayo Saka had been carrying a knock since earlier in the second half and Mikel Arteta opted to bring on Nicolas Pepe in his place and shift Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang back to his more familiar role down the left.

It almost paid immediate dividends as the Gabon forward’s deep cross was volleyed goalwards by Bellerin, with Schmeichel making a smart save.

But the winning goal would come at the other end of the pitch as Leicester finally burst into life as an attacking force.

Thomas Partey failed to make an impact on his full Premier League debut

Getty - Pool

Thomas Partey failed to make an impact on his full Premier League debut

They would break the deadlock with their first effort on target of the evening, hitting on the counter-attack as their two substitutes combined.

Youri Tielemans’ ball over the top of the Arsenal defence set Cengiz Under in behind and he crossed perfectly for Vardy to head home what was almost an inevitable goal against the Gunners.

The former England striker almost struck again in injury time, breaking in behind but this time seeing his effort well-saved by Bernd Leno.

It would have no impact on the result, however, as Leicester secured their first ever league win at the Emirates.



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